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08/23/2012

Zimmann alone on debate stage tonight

Angela Zimmann, the Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District now represented by Republican Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green), has accepted a debate to take place tonight (Thursday) at Owens Community College.

She will have the stage to herself.

Latta did not accept the invitation for the debate and Owens planned to go ahead with just one of the candidates.

Ryan Walker, Latta's chief of staff, said the Congressman's August schedule was booked when he received the Owens invitation. He said he did not know of any joint appearances yet for Latta and Zimmann.

Joshua Widanka, a student government member, said he "first invited the candidates back around March 21, 2012."

The debate is set for AVCC 125-128 8 to 9 p.m.

Walker said Latta and his staff are "out doing constituent meetings and all our August calendar was filled out probably by the end of June. Folks at Owens contacted us but not in enough time. As a member of Congress, the requests for the Congressman’s time are many."

Robert Alexander, a political science professor at Ohio Northern University in Ada, confirmed he has also asked the campaigns to agree to a debate.

"The Zimmann campaign has accepted and I have not yet heard back from the Latta campaign. I will be following up with them shortly. Of course, without a confirmation, there is no date," Alexander said.

Zimmann, an instructor at Bowling Green State University who lives in Springfield Township, said she has challenged Latta to a debates at each of the district's nine colleges, universities, and branch campuses.

“Given the gravity of this year’s election, I believe that we as congressional candidates owe taxpayers the courtesy of participating in lively, constituent-centered debate,” Zimmann wrote.

The 5th District is considered a safe Republican district. It covers all or part of 14 counties, including the suburbs and townships west of Toledo in Lucas County, and neighborhoods in West and South Toledo.